Guest Post: Renew Your Photography With the Onset of Spring
I would like to thank Lisa Shoreland who has offered to write this inspirational article on photographing spring. Many of you know that I have had pneumonia and have been a bit under the weather. I appreciate her help…she is an amazing freelance writer, I’m sure you will enjoy this article.
From the depths of bleak, gray winter comes the gradual warming of spring. As the months fold into themselves, January turns to March, and flowers are in bloom again. Spring is a great time to hone your macro photography skills, with life growing and blossoming everywhere you look. The new season means flowering buds and trees, so be on the lookout for vibrant blues, pinks, yellows, reds and greens. Retrain your eye to focus on minute
detail in budding leaves and blossoming flowers. Discover the insects, birds and animals that might live in your own backyard, or venture out to a nature preserve or rose garden to capture things outside your ordinary field of vision.
Sprightly Light
You may notice that in early spring, the light is very soft and the colors aren’t quite yet at their vibrant height. You don’t run the risk of overexposure like you would during winter snow shots, so run with this added freedom. However, be aware that early spring photos can tend to look a little dull and washed out, so you may be interested in adding color to your shots.
When you notice a shadow on a stationary subject like a flower or leaf, you can always improve the lighting conditions by employing a reflector. This will reflect natural light onto the subject, eliminating the shadow. You can always order a reflector from a photography store or website, but if you’re pressed for cash or into DIY fixes, a sturdy piece of white paper or white sheet can function as a reflector, too. Focus on items that will reflect more light than they will absorb; typically, these are white, shiny or mirrored items. Use this reflector to bounce sunlight back onto your subject and snap the shot.
Spring Forward
As spring progresses, so to do the wonderful colors and subjects inherent to the season. When photographing flowers, keep in mind not only your subject, but also your background. The best background for vibrantly colored flowers or other macro subjects (bugs and birds, for example) is calm and neutral. If your subject is surrounded by other wild colors in the background, it will detract from the impact of your shot.
To take photographs of moving water– consider melting snow and trickling streams– you can use the common technique of longer exposure; however, the fact that spring often brings more light than other seasons means that you may have to wait for early morning or dusk or employ a shadow filter to use longer exposures successfully.
And, As Always…
Keep your camera handy at all times. You never know when the perfect shot will appear, and you want to be prepared. When in doubt, shoot! You can always edit or delete photos later; you can’t always go back and re-capture a shot. Shoot wide (landscapes, hillsides), shoot narrow (enhanced focus on details) and shoot close (individual flowers). This will improve your handle on your camera, as well as your artistic eye. Last, but not least: Spring is an ever-changing season. When you’re out shooting, be prepared for great sunlight and quick showers. Always pack rain gear for yourself and your camera, lest you get caught in an infamous “spring shower!”
Bio: Lisa Shoreland is currently a resident blogger at Go College, where recently she’s been researching aerospace engineering scholarships as well as health administration scholarships. In her spare time, she enjoys creative writing, practicing martial arts, and taking weekend trips.
Photographers, Diamond Bar, CA
